The Knockout Stage

Everyone knows about the infamous Maradona “Hand of God” goal in 1986, but there were plenty of controversies long before it. This is the story of a man who stepped up in the face of injustice to defend his brothers. Some might say he overstepped up.

In the 1930 World Cup, the first ever, the U.S. went up against Argentina in a semifinal match. The American side was taking a beating—literally—and thought the refs were being too lenient with the Argentines’ rough play. After one particularly harsh tackle, the American coach and trainer, Jack Coll, ran onto the field to protest. In his outraged sprint, Coll dropped his medical bag. A bottle of chloroform fell out and broke, instantly rendering him unconscious.

The U.S. team went on to lose 6-1 and was eliminated. They don’t call it the knockout stage for nothing.